Great Expectations: Hoo Peninsula Trail | The Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2026

About

The Great Expectations Hoo Peninsula Trail is a little over 5-miles (8km) circular walk. The walk will be starting and finishing in the village of Hoo St. Werburgh, exploring the distinctive landscape where the Rivers Medway passes alongside the hoo peninsula. Despite its proximity to London, the peninsula feels remote and steeped in history. Our route will go along cobbled streets, historic pubs and Upnor Castle, before following the King Charles III England Coast Path along the stoney river edge (High tide depending), offering views of boatyards, mudflats and wildlife. We will check the tide times in advance (low tide at 11:30am*), as one short section of the riverside path is only accessible at low tide. We may change the route direction depending upon the high tide route after a short stop in Upnor.

Along the way, the trail reveals layers of maritime, military and social history. Highlights include The London Stones, marking medieval fishing boundaries for the City of London, the remains of Cockham Wood Fort, once armed with 44 guns to defend the Medway, and views towards St Werburgh Church. The route also joins the long-distance Saxon Shore Way, tracing the ancient Roman coastline. Combining open riverside walking with quieter paths through marina parks, farmland and woodland, this walk offers a rich and varied experience of the Hoo Peninsula’s heritage and natural character.

Further info:

We will be following the attached route, starting in the village of Hoo at the parking near history point number 6.

https://explorekent.org/activities/great-expectations-hoo-peninsula-trail/

*Tide times for publication checked on 01/02/2026.

 

Walk Details 

Walk Leader: David Palmer, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Medway

Meeting point: Hoo St Werburgh: Overflow Car Park ME3 9BL

Distance: Approx. 5 miles 

Duration: Approx. 90 minuets

Grade:  Grade 4 Moderate

Walk Type: Circular

Accessibility Grade: A2

Age: 18 and over

Toilet Facilities: None on route

Rest Stops: Yes

Are there stiles on route? No

Parking: Public car park , adjacent to the public toilet through the white width restriction barrier